A perforated eardrum is a hole or rupture in the eardrum, a thin membrane which
separates the ear canal and the middle ear. The medical term for eardrum is tympanic
membrane. The middle ear is connected to the nose by the eustachian tube,
which equalizes pressure in the middle ear.

A perforated eardrum is often accompanied by decreased hearing and occasional
discharge. Pain is usually not persistent.

Causes of Eardrum Perforation

The causes of perforated eardrum are usually from trauma or infection. A perforated
eardrum can occur:

If the ear is struck squarely with an open hand

With a skull fracture

After a sudden explosion

If an object (such as a bobby pin, Q-tip, or stick) is pushed too far into the ear
canal.

As a result of hot slag (from welding) or acid entering the ear canal

Middle ear infections may cause pain, hearing loss and spontaneous
rupture (tear) of the ear-drum resulting in a perforation. In this circumstance, there
maybe infected or bloody drainage from the ear. In medical terms, this is called otitis
media with perforation.

On rare occasions a small hole may remain in the eardrum after a
previously placed PE tube (pressure equalizing) either falls out or is removed by the
physician.

Most eardrum perforations heal spontaneously within weeks after
rupture, although some may take up to several months. During the healing process the ear
must be protected from water and trauma. Those eardrum perforations which do not heal on
their own may require surgery.

Effects on Hearing from Perforated Eardrum

Usually, the larger the perforation, the greater the loss of hearing.
The location of the hole (perforation) in the eardrum also effects the degree of hearing
loss. If severe trauma (e.g. skull fracture) disrupts the bones in the middle ear which
transmit sound or causes injury to the inner ear structures, the loss of hearing maybe
quite severe.

If the perforated eardrum is due to a sudden traumatic or explosive
event, the loss of hearing can be great and ringing in the ear (tinnitus) may be severe.
In this case the hearing usually returns partially, and the ringing diminishes in a few
days. Chronic infection as a result of the perforation can cause major hearing loss.

Treatment of the Perforated Eardrum

Before attempting any correction of the perforation, a hearing test
should be performed. The benefits of closing a perforation include prevention of water
entering the ear while showering, bathing or swimming (which could cause ear infection),
improved hearing, and diminished tinnitus. It also may prevent the development of
cholesteatoma (skin cyst in the middle ear), which can cause chronic infection and
destruction of ear structures.

If the perforation is very small, otolaryngologists may choose to
observe the perforation over time to see if it will close spontaneously. They also might
try to patch a cooperative patient's ear-drum in the office. Working with a microscope,
your doctor may touch the edges of the eardrum with a chemical to stimulate growth and
then place a thin paper patch on the eardrum. Usually with closure of the tympanic
membrane improvement in hearing is noted. Several applications of a patch (up to three or
four) may be required before the perforation closes completely. if your physician feels
that a paper patch will not provide prompt or adequate closure of the hole in the eardrum,
or attempts with paper patching do not promote healing, surgery is considered.

There are a variety of surgical techniques, but all basically place
tissue across the perforation allowing healing. The name of this procedure is called tympanoplasty.
Surgery is typically quite successful in closing the perforation permanently, and
improving hearing. It is usually done on an outpatient basis.

Your doctor will advise you regarding the proper management of a
perforated eardrum.

What is Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery?

Otolaryngology-head and neck surgery is a specialty concerned with the
medical and surgical treatment of the ears, nose, throat and related structures of the
head and neck. The specialty encompasses cosmetic facial reconstruction, surgery of benign
and malignant tumors of the head and neck, management of patients with loss of hearing and
balance, endoscopic examination of air and food passages and treatment of allergic, sinus,
laryngeal, thyroid and esophageal disorders.

To qualify for the American Board of Otolaryngology certification
examination, a physician must complete five or more years of post-M.D. (or D.O.) specialty
training.